Help me decide between a BSN and an RN (Associates)

canenurse · Apr 12, 2012

bsn if you ever want a job. hospitals are only hiring bsns and all want magnet status. it took me seven months to get a job as a top of my class bsn candidate.

angelalala · May 1, 2012

Not in Philadelphia but. . .if you're a teacher I'd assume you already have an existing Bachelor's, though, so a BSN might not be as important (you're still Bachelor-degree educated!). In other words, you wouldn't be a nurse with just an A.S.

mommyof3girls · Jun 29, 2012

Hi! I would really like some advice from nursing students and nurses in the Philadelphia (suburbs) area.
I am a teacher and have decided to go back to school to become a nurse. I am looking into B.S.N. programs in the area. Since I work full time and have two small children I don't have endless free time and money to go back to an extremely expensive and accelerated program. I already have a bachelor's degree and Master's degree and some pretty hefty loans. I am looking for suggestions on which program would be best for a busy working mom like me?
1.) LaSalle ACHIEVE - I am leaning towards this one because although it takes longer, the hours are more "doable" during the week and the program advertises that you can still work or take care of children while you are in the program. Can anyone give me feedback on this one?
2.) Eastern
3.) West Chester - leaning away from this one because I have heard negative things, and the administration is disorganized, unhelpful and unfriendly. However, the appeal of this one is the cost.
4.) Immaculata
5.) Jefferson, Gwynedd Mercy, Holy Family, and other schools in Philly may be too far away. Penn is too expensive.
Or should I just go to community college, get the R.N., get a job and do the B.S.N. while I am already working? What are the chances of getting a job with an R.N. (I know Mainline Health doesn't hire R.N.s with just an A.S. anymore).
I've ruled our Drexel and Villanova because of the high cost and the intense nature of the programs. If I didn't have two young kids, I am sure that I could do it academically, but money, time, and childcare are the issues now.
Help me decide!!!!!

I have the same dilemma. I'm planning to not work once I get into nursing school. I also have a BA and MSW degrees and was really hoping to just be able to get RN and find a job. I've checked existing ads and the issue doesn't seem to be the BSN VS RN it's the lack of experience. They are looking for 2 years experience. I'm getting nervous but hoping to not be discouraged. I was hoping to do the nursing program, then get the additional courses online for BSN. I thought my other bachelor's would be OK, but apparently they still want BSN.

MAYGABUCKS · Jul 2, 2012

Hey NurseFiona,

I went to LaSalle and did they BSN Day program but after having to retake a class I was put in with the achieve students for a semester. The achieve program was wonderful for people with families or jobs. I've heard great feedback from some of the classmates who had a fulltime job and/or children. Clinicals are on the weekends and take up youre whole weekend so you have to be prepared. Overall LaSalle is a good school and I personally would reccomend it because they have awesome clinical sites, very diverse, more so than other schools. And i would DEFINETLY reccommend you go for the BSN. I have a few friends who are a year + out of school and working odd end jobs with just their associates. In this job market you pretty much have to know someone to get a job without the BSN. Goodluck in whatever route you choose!

angelalala · Jul 11, 2012

I have the same dilemma. I'm planning to not work once I get into nursing school. I also have a BA and MSW degrees and was really hoping to just be able to get RN and find a job. I've checked existing ads and the issue doesn't seem to be the BSN VS RN it's the lack of experience. They are looking for 2 years experience. I'm getting nervous but hoping to not be discouraged. I was hoping to do the nursing program, then get the additional courses online for BSN. I thought my other bachelor's would be OK, but apparently they still want BSN.

I'm in the same boat, and regardless of what hospitals want, there's no way I can or am willing to pay for a BSN. I already have a Masters to pay off, I can't take out any more undergraduate student aid. . .and the way I look at it, plenty of MSN programs will accept RNs with BA/BS in other fields, so taking courses toward a BSN would be time wasted when I could be using that time and money toward a second Masters or PhD.

Melfldrn · Aug 18, 2012

I'm a senior year BSN student at Neumann University and I love it. It is pricey though. Not sure about that Associates RN with a bachelors in another field because there are specfic classes that are essential to the BSN itself...like nursing research and nursing professionlism. I'm in school with several other students who have multiple degrees. Maybe you could do an associates program then go back and do the RN to BSN while your working in a nursing home or something that may pay for the tuition for the RN to BSN. Good Luck!!

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Aug 18, 2012

since you already have a bachelor's degree in a different field, why not go for an accelerated BSN program? Most accelerated BSN tracks require that you hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. BSN is the best option because it's what you need if you want to further your education. A lot of hospitals are also moving towards hiring ONLY BSN-prepared nurses. They won't consider ASN/ADN's unless they are already in school getting their BSN.

coconoir1908 · Nov 8, 2013

I'm a senior year BSN student at Neumann University and I love it. It is pricey though. Not sure about that Associates RN with a bachelors in another field because there are specfic classes that are essential to the BSN itself...like nursing research and nursing professionlism. I'm in school with several other students who have multiple degrees. Maybe you could do an associates program then go back and do the RN to BSN while your working in a nursing home or something that may pay for the tuition for the RN to BSN. Good Luck!!

I was just accepted into Neumann's PT BSN program. Would you tell me how your experience have been thus far? Pros and Cons of the program? Teachers etc. Thanks so much for your insight.

unique2 · Nov 13, 2013

What are the requirements for Neumann University? I may look into that evening BSN program.

Melfldrn · Nov 16, 2013

Haven't been on here in forever so just seeing these posts. Neumann was tough but worth it. Teachers are great, i felt the schedule was doable for the most part even if you are working. Just be prepared to let nursing school consume your life...it is insane anywhere you go!